The Journal
Find out the latest from Frankie, read articles on helpful advice and tips, or just get to know her better here…
Why I Created a Specialist Wedding Dog Photography Service in Cumbria & The Lake District
More people than ever are involving their dogs on their wedding day: as ring bearers, members of the wedding party, as VIP guests who simply cannot be left at home. A whole new industry of wedding dog chaperones has emerged in the last five years, and it's really taken off. Recent research by Bridebook reveal that 49% of us in the UK would include our pet in our wedding party. If you're reading this, chances are that having your dog at your wedding isn't just a nice idea, for you, it's a non-negotiable.
Where I live and work in Cumbria, I'm so lucky to have some of the most incredible landscapes and dog-friendly wedding venues right on my doorstep. And while I have absolutely no plans to leave the world of animal photography behind, I have thought for quite some time about a question that kept coming back to me: what if there was a way I could do both?
Behind the Lens: Horse Show Photography at the Side Saddle Association Area 9 Camp North Show, Carlisle 2026
On the first weekend of May, the Side Saddle Association Area 9 held a full 3-day camp planned at Greenlands Equestrian Centre in Carlisle: Camp North 2026. I was fortunate enough to spend two full days photographing both lessons and the Camp North Show itself, and I was thoroughly in my element. As an equine photographer based in Cumbria, events like this are a genuine privilege for me to shoot: two packed days of skilled riding, beautifully turned-out horses and ponies, and the extra pizazz of the side saddle discipline: one of the most visually striking and elegant forms of equestrianism there is and a true photographic feast for the eyes.
Why Winter Is the Unsung Hero for Pet Photography (Yes, even in Cumbria)
One of many things that I’ve learned in my first year of business is that many people wait for Spring and Summer to schedule their dog portrait sessions. On the surface of things, given where we live in Cumbria and its reputation weather-wise, this is completely understandable. However, I certainly don’t hibernate over Winter and you shouldn’t either: read on to find out why it’s one of my favourite times of year to shoot.
A Very Special Equine Session near the Scottish Border in Cumbria
This very special session was to commemorate Shelby’s retirement from riding. This gorgeous pony has been Ella’s companion since she first learned to ride, and their amazing bond was at the heart of what I was capturing on that beautiful late summer’s evening. The images themselves were kept under wraps for a while, carefully guarded and kept a secret until Christmas, when Ella was finally surprised with the finished portraits. I’m a strong believer in good things come to those who wait, and this was no exception!
My 2025 in Photography: 295+ Dogs, Endless Lessons, and What Actually Mattered
295+ dogs photographed. 15+ horses. 4 cats. August alone brought 165 dogs through my lens. I earned five trophies, gained four photography titles, sat on two qualification panels, and got featured on the BBC, Digital Camera World, PetaPixel, and Forbes.
But here's what those stats don't tell you. I wanted to share a little more about what 2025 has meant to me and my little photography business with big dreams.
I still can’t believe Photography by Frankie is only just about to turn 1 year old!
The Dog-Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025 (From Someone Who Lives With a Collie in Cumbria)
Every December I find myself looking for things that are actually useful, beautifully made, and genuinely enjoyed by the dog in my life. It’s also quite helpful to have some things in your arsenal for when someone special in your life asks you what you want for Christmas too! I’m a huge fan of well-made products that last and make life with a dog richer, easier, calmer or cosier.
Working Dog Photography Cumbria: Meeting Fllandrys Becc, Spyview Nell and Flo in Gilsland
I'm always interested in doing more working dog photography around Cumbria and Northumberland. As a professional dog photographer in Brampton, I love capturing the unique bond between working dogs and their handlers across the beautiful landscapes of the North. If you've got working dogs that deserve their moment in front of the camera, drop me a line.
You can get in touch here, or have a look at some of my other recent work if you want to see what these sessions typically produce.
Dog Photography in Lancaster: Nobody Told Me About All the Hills (but it was worth every step!)
April also saw me visit the city of Lancaster, somewhere I had passed through many-a-time on the train but never stopped off at, at least since I was a child. You know the drill by now, I’m on my tour of 12 Northern English cities conducting 5 portrait sessions in each with the aim of making a 2026 calendar showcasing all the fantastic dogs of the North that put their best paw forward in front of my lens. Whew. The needle is also moving ever forward, with me so close to revealing the charity beneficiary of a portion of my calendar sales profits later in the year. In the meantime, please enjoy reading about the seven, yes seven, dogs I photographed in Lancaster. From a low-riding sausage to a bouncy dalmatian, Lancaster had it all. Combine that with a healthy dose of beautiful architecture then I was on to a sure fire winner here.
Durham Dog Photography: The Calendar Project Returns to the North East
Destination number five on my 2025 dog photography project was Durham, a city sat pretty on a hilly peninsula, known for its beautiful architecture, the river and a plethora of showstopping spots for photography. I was aghast to find out it had been just over 20 years since I had visited Durham last, well before I went to university myself, and if you’d have told me 20 years ago that the next time I would be back is to photograph dogs for a calendar project I would have never believed you!
Badger's Story: The Most Memorable Dog Photography Session at Crosby Beach
It was a very stimulating atmosphere for Badger to feel at ease and have fun as well as provide several points of interest for him to pose: the dunes, the rocks and the odd washed up tree trunk. Because the world simply does not have enough dog on a log photographs and I will die on that hill.